Georgia: The Agency of Protected Areas, recognizing its unique ecological value and the increasing threat of forest fires, received the Borjom-Kharagauli National Park Fire Management Plan from the United States Forest Service.
This plan is a crucial step towards safeguarding the park’s diverse flora and fauna, as well as its role in the local economy and tourism industry.
With the cooperation of the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service and Protected Areas Agency, and the direct involvement of the administration of Borjom-Kharagauli National Park, a comprehensive forest fire management plan was developed.
This plan includes strategies for early detection, rapid response, and effective containment of forest fires, as well as measures for post-fire recovery and prevention of future incidents.
The official fire management plan document was signed by Besik Kusid, the acting chairman of the Protected Areas Agency, and Seth Davis, the program manager of the United States Forest Service for Europe and Eurasia.
Carlo Amirgulashvili, head of the Biodiversity and Forest Department of the Ministry of Environment Protection and Agriculture, attended the presentation of the Borjom-Kharagauli National Park forest fire management plan and stressed the importance of long-term support from the United States.
Forest fire management plans will play an important role, on the one hand, in preventing forest fires and, on the other hand, in their correct management. At the same time, we had the opportunity, with our American colleagues, to share American experience with our Georgian rangers; significant educational events were held within the framework of the project, and we also held training on fire prevention, which is very important for raising awareness in this perspective,”- said Carlo Amirgulashvili.
The event was graced by the presence of the iconic symbol of the US Forest Service, Smokey Bear. This beloved character played a pivotal role in conducting engaging and informative educational activities in schools across the Borjomi municipality, fostering a sense of connection and involvement among the students.
The Protected Areas Agency is actively cooperating with the United States Forest Service, a partnership that has been instrumental in providing significant support to protected areas for biodiversity conservation.
This support includes strengthening fire management systems in protected areas, especially in Borjom-Kharagauli Park, one of the most fire-threatening areas. The expertise and resources shared by the Forest Service have greatly enhanced our capacity to protect our natural heritage.
